Soon after a crash, the phone rings. The adjuster sounds friendly and eager to help. But it is essential to remember who they work for, and what their job actually is.
The Adjuster's Real Job
An insurance adjuster's role is to resolve your claim for as little as the company can reasonably pay. That is not a personal failing; it is the business. Friendliness is a tool, not a favor. Understanding this changes how you should interact with them.
The Recorded Statement Trap
One of the first things an adjuster may request is a recorded statement. You are generally not required to give the other side's insurer a recorded statement, and doing so before consulting an attorney can hurt you. Innocent-sounding answers about how you feel or what happened can later be used to minimize your injuries or shift fault under Tennessee's comparative fault rule.
Be Careful What You Sign
Adjusters may ask you to sign a broad medical authorization, which can give them access to your entire medical history in search of pre-existing conditions to blame. They may also present an early settlement and release. Once signed, a release ends your claim permanently.
How an Attorney Changes the Dynamic
When an attorney represents you, the insurer must communicate through your lawyer. That alone removes much of the pressure and many of the traps. Your attorney handles the statements, the documentation, and the negotiation, while you focus on healing. A free case review is a no-risk way to level the playing field.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.